The evening of our arrival in Granada we attended a top division futbol match (of course) at Estadio Nuevo los Carmenes. Granada Club del Futbol fought hard against Athletic Club Bilbao. Singing, chanting and screaming bloody murder at the referee and players is all part of the fan experience. Our boys cheered and ate pipas (sunflower seeds), spitting the shells upon the ground – also part of futbol tradition.

Another tradition is seeing Granada’s most dedicated fan: La Papa (the pope) who wandered the stadium dressed in flowing red and white robes, bestowing blessings upon supporters. Alas, team Granada had many opportunities to score, but no goals. The final score: 0-0.

Our caravan tried to get into a restaraunt near the stadium that would seat all of us (about 20), but everyone who attended the match had the same idea. So, we split up into smaller groups and headed our separate ways. My group “took tapas” near James’s host family’s home.

James and his host-siblings planted themselves at the bar – not allowed at American bars, but no problem in Spain – with water, fanta limon, and tapas, or small plates of bread, cheese and meat, or other food served on the house whenever you order drinks. Tapas is truly a social experience and a wonderful way to end a very, very long day.

Join Kris as she travel blogs in Granada, Spain with families from Pittsford, Penfield and East Rochester from February 14-23.

Traveling with five teenage boys to Granada, Spain proved easier than I thought. If you don’t count one pair of broken headphones (a casualty of a mini soccer game in the Philadelphia airport), one iPhone thought to be lost sometime during our four hour layover in Philadelphia but mercifully discovered in a backpack somewhere over the Atlantic, and a another iPhone casually left in a seat pocket on our Madrid flight (thankfully reunited with its owner before departing for Granada) then 24 hours of air travel with teenagers was kind of, well, boring.

Despite the damp chill of our Valentine’s Day arrival in Granada, Spain, a crowd had gathered to welcome us with hugs and kisses, customary of the warm and friendly nature of Spaniards.

Although no one in my traveling party speaks even close to fluent Spanish, it didn’t matter. Most of our hosts spoke very good English. Our five boys know enough to get what they need because food and futbol is universal. As the boys departed with their host familes to get to know them, Rob, Lara, Tim and I left with our friend Antonio to enjoy dinner at his house. Antonio’s wife Maca made us a delicious homemade moussaka followed by a light and flaky apple pie. It felt like home.

Meet the boys
Adam Black, 15, Grade 10, Pittsford Mendon High School, Pittsford
“Though soccer isn’t his passion – he enjoys it, plays it, and uses sports (basketball, soccer, paintball) as a way to engage with other people. It’s a catalyst that connects him to others.”

Noah Black, 13, Grade 7, Barker Road Middle School, Pittsford
“Noah is hungry for the idea to see the best in the world and where everyone can play from two to ninety years old. He wants the opportunity to be the best he can be.”

Aidan Cady, 13, Grade 7, East Rochester Mid/High School, East Rochester
“Aidan’s interest in the culture of soccer extends to other countries because soccer is a bigger part of people’s lives around the globe rather than here in America. He can easily identify with others who share his passion for soccer.” – Michaela Cady, 34, stay-at-home mom

Ty Wilkes, 12, Grade 7, Barker Road Middle School, Pittsford
“Since Ty discovered European soccer around age 9, he has learned more about different clubs, leagues, players, and coaches all over the world than most adults. His interest in history and the sport has led him to his curiosity about the culture of the sport.” – Tim Wilkes, 49, Photographer/Owner, Tim Wilkes Photography

Join Kris Bruneau as she travel blogs in Granada, Spain with families from Pittsford, Penfield and East Rochester from February 14 – 23.

Life is about opportunities. The opportunity to travel to a foreign land is alluring for anyone who is curious about culture, but for five teenage boys who want to explore the culture of fútbol (soccer) in Spain – it is everything.

Four adults and five teenagers will call Granada, Spain home for ten days in February to explore the autonomous Andalusian community nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. While the boys will stay with host families and practice with the Granada youth academy team every day, the parents will engage in all that Granada offers.

Come along with us as we share our adventure through words, photos and videos on this blog.

Join Kris Bruneau as she travel blogs in Granada, Spain with families from Pittsford, Penfield and East Rochester from February 14 – 23.

Who doesn’t want a Snow Day? Sure it messes up your grown up schedule, but I think it’s worth it to see the joy on my child’s face when I announce: “It’s a Snow Day!”

The spoon rests beneath James’s pillow; the ice cube long since flushed down the toilet – a Snow Day ritual and oft-discussed legend among school-aged kids. More ice was left on the floor and melted into a puddle, which of course I stepped in before following James upstairs to bed.

“I hope tomorrow is a Snow Day,” he says before snuggling beneath the covers.

“Me too,” I say and hold his hand.

On a Snow Day, as the wind howls and blows outside our door, we’ll wrap ourselves in fuzzy blankets and sip hot cocoa by the fire. We’ll light a cinnamon candle and play a game of Clue. On a Snow Day, we’ll stuff ourselves into our snow gear and bravely venture into a frozen world. We’ll make snowballs and throw them for Beck to pounce and chew. We’ll grab our sled and zoom down the hill, toppling over and rolling into messy snow angels and then repeat again and again.

On a Snow Day, we’ll laugh until our cheeks hurt and tiny ice balls stick to our eyelashes. Soon, the warmth of our home will beckon us. We’ll peel off our layers and leave them in a heap on the floor, racing to the comfort of flame and appeal of chocolate.

As I write this on the eve of our Snow Day, snow falls heavily on the land. Across the street, a plow pushes the sticky whiteness into hills of meringe. And I savor the momentof a Snow Day.

What do you think?

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Daka Magazine, Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons on motherhood, love, and life. Bruneau recently completed a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums and is querying publishers. She loves feedback, but hates spam. Feel free to email her at kristinebruneau [at] gmail [dot] com.

We all have a story about motherhood, or our mom, or about being a mom (or dad).

So what happens when you give a mom a microphone?

They bring you on a journey. With that in mind, I signed up to audition for this big, fat, hairy, scary public speaking event called “Listen to Your Mother” (LTYM). Now – after writing a post about the Fear of Public Speaking – I have to put my money where my mouth is. Or maybe my foot.

Often described as the “Ted Talk of Mothers,” LTYM gives moms a microphone and five minutes to share their story with a live audience, which will be videotaped for LTYM’s YouTube channel. But first, you have to audition for one of about a dozen slots available for the show.

What started as a little idea to give local writers a chance to share their stories aloud in public by stay-at-home-humorist Ann Imig in 2010 has sparked a movement. From its premiere on Mother’s Day 2010 at The Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, LTYM spans 39 cities nationwide and reaches a global audience. Interested moms like Horowitz, Carter, Fitzgibbons, and Gebell wanted to bring LTYM to Rochester.

I spoke to co-producer Carter who said that the Rochester team’s application didn’t get accepted last year, but they persisted and were put on the proverbial mother talk map in 2015.

“We were shocked and really, really, excited,” says Carter. “We were one of ten new cities picked to stage it.”

Carter and the women behind this labor of love not only want another reason to celebrate moms, but also help connect the community with stories.

“Any time you can come together and have a shared experience is a really powerful thing,” says Carter. “You understand each other a little bit more. And I think that’s really important to our community right now. We’re doing this for charities who work with women and children who need extra support.”

Regardless of whether or not I perform in front of others, this will no doubt be a unique and emotional journey. And it’s all about the journey, after all. Isn’t it?

For more information about LTYM Rochester and the auditions, visit their website.

What do you think?

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Daka Magazine, Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons on motherhood, love, and life. Bruneau recently completed a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums and is querying publishers. She loves feedback, but hates spam. Feel free to email her at kristinebruneau [at] gmail [dot] com.

The mere thought of public speaking – that is speaking in front of a large audience – sends my stomach into knots, and turns me into a cold, clammy mess, and makes me have to pee. Apparently, I’m not alone. According to several studies, speaking in public is cited as one of the top fears for humans. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that 75% of women and 73% of men said they were afraid of public speaking. The fear of public speaking, also known as Glossophobia, outranks arachnaphobia (fear of spiders) and thanatophobia (fear of death) is considered a social phobia, of which more than 5.3 million Americans have.

Why do we feel this way?

For one, we feel exposed in front of an audience. We think people will laugh at us (or not laugh at something they’re supposed to), scrutinize everything we say and reject us as incompetent, incoherent, and confused. We might even (gasp) die!

Author Patty Chang Anker, however, assures us we won’t die in her article “Don’t Just Stand There,” which breaks down what’s behind the fear of public speaking. Anker, a former book publicist-turned mom blogger (Facing Forty Upside Down) wanted to share her story of adopting two girls from China in front of others. So she decided to audition for “Listen to your mother,” a show that features live readings by local writers on the beauty, the beast, and the barely-rested of motherhood, in celebration of Mother’s Day. Anker’s tale is funny and she peppers her piece with great lessons on public speaking. I found myself nodding yes to everything Anker wrote.

Years ago, I joined ToastMasters to get over my fear of public speaking. I also took a workshop to help me speak up in public more comfortably. Here are a few things I learned along the way:

+ Strive for grace, not perfection. The audience won’t know if you made a mistake or forgot a chunk of story.

+ Think of your “strawberry”. Your strawberry is something that makes you feel good. It could be person, place or thing you cherish. For example, your dog, the sun setting on the lake, or “worry beads.” Anything that simply makes you smile inside.

+ It’s okay to be nervous. Being nervous is natural and is our adrenaline. Turn your nervous energy into enthusiasm and engagement.

+ Don’t memorize every word. And please don’t read from a PowerPoint presentation. Internalize your speech or topic by practicing.

+ Bonus tip from Seth Godin: Give your speech to a dog. And then a few more dogs. Work your way up to a friend. Take one step at a time to get over your fear of public speaking.

What do you think?

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Daka Magazine, Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons on motherhood, love, and life. Bruneau recently completed a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums and is querying publishers. She loves feedback, but hates spam. Feel free to email her at kristinebruneau [at] gmail [dot] com.

Upon seeing my official jury summons, all I wanted was an excuse to get out of jury duty.

More than an inconvenience, jury duty would interfere with my ability to earn a living. Because I’m a self-employed writer and marketing consultant, and my hourly billing rate is arguably a few bucks more than what New York State would pay me per day ($40), I would lose money. Although I had access to free wi-fi in the jury room, I would give up the opportunity of gaining more business. But was the self-employment excuse good enough for the court to consider it a financial hardship for the week? When pressed, I’d have to admit that serving would more likely set me back financially, than – let’s say – lose my job, or home.

Like many others before me, I turned to Google. In searching the phrases: “how to get out of jury duty” and “juror excuses,” over half a million results popped up. However, I only found a handful worth reading. Excuses ranged from not showing up – half the people summoned for duty actually appear – (if caught you could be fined up to $1,000), to stating you believe in jury nullification (that’s when the jury thinks the law stinks, disregards it, and declares the defendant not guilty), and to declaring a bias or reason that you can’t be impartial.

I liked the idea of being biased, and came up with a list of possible reasons:

1) I know when my son is doesn’t tell the truth, so I’m pretty confident I can tell when someone else is guilty.

6) I write crime fiction. The defendant is always guilty and the plaintiff always gets what he deserves.

When I had jury duty seven years ago, I reached voir dire (the process of questioning prospective jurors or eliminating them) for a murder trial. While waiting in the courtroom, I learned that a man was accused of stabbing his wife with a knife and the trial would last more than five days. The judge’s first question was: “Who has a conflict relative to the timing of this case?”

Although I was curious about the case in a Queen-of-Crime-way, I couldn’t miss my then seven year-old’s field trip. And what about the school’s Halloween party I volunteered for? Considering those two events was enough to get me out of my seat and towards the bench.

“Your honor,” I said. “I’m more than happy to serve this week since I arranged for child care, but I cannot serve next week because my husband is out of town and I have no one to watch my son.”

“You’re excused,” said the judge. It was that easy to just be honest.

This September, however, I never left the jury room. The Commissioner of Jurors spoke to my group of 235 men and women. He said that jury duty is a privilege – a role to be assumed with pride. “We are guaranteeing the right to a fair trial for us and our families,” said the commissioner. That statement made me think: Wouldn’t I want to someone to act faithfully, honorably, and fairly in performing their jury service if I was the one who needed a fair trial?

Still, I didn’t want to be on a long, drawn out case. Neither did the two men sitting at my table. Both had been victims of crimes, dealt with policemen who were too busy to help, and knew someone who gave false testimony. They believed the court system had failed them.

About 20 years ago, someone snatched my purse from the back of a chair in a downtown cafe. I called the police, who had received several reports from women like me about being bumped or pushed from behind and relieved of their purses. Later that week, police picked up a woman who forged my signature to cash my check. I had to review the bank video and eventually answer questions from the Assistant DA in front of a grand jury. The woman who forged my signature was on probation for similar crimes. She deserved to go to jail, I thought. And she did. I was a victim of a crime; for me the judicial system worked.

By 10:30 a.m., all but one trial was postponed to a later date. However, me and my fellow jurors weren’t dismissed. Twenty-five potential jurors were needed for a 2 p.m. selection process. Our numbers were placed in the proverbial hat to see who would go on to voir dire. I got lucky and was excused before Noon. Unfortunately, my new friends had to stay.

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons learned from her son on motherhood, love, and life. Kris is currently working on a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums. She loves feedback, but hates spam – send her a comment.

There is something special about spending time with a young child. The world is so big and exciting for them. The seem to notice every last little thing. Some things register quickly while the next thing they focus on and want to explore further. Sights, sounds, facial expressions, translated into a growing vocabulary.

Wheels and all that rolls. My daughter just turned two and a half years old. For awhile now she has been fascinated with wheels and vehicles. She gleefully counts cars that pass in groups if we walk along a busier road. She chatters about school bus that drive by. She points out the white van in our neighborhood and waves to it. She can spot a mail van a block away and point it out. Arm out with excitement to match her voice as she tells us what she sees.

Frogs and bugs, and other wildlife. She has been fascinated with bees for awhile now. Ants, spiders, and snakes are also things she likes. When I play outside with her now she has to look for froggies. We have small toads in our yard occasionally, and she remembers where she’s last seen them. She smiles at them as she follows along, her eyes spotting them jumping around under the blades of grass. Last Sunday afternoon when she didn’t see one I had to tell her that they might not be out then. To which she promptly mentioned they were on vacation. She didn’t give up and continued to look around the yard.

Toddler holding toad - image provided by Claire Goverts

She did find a toad after searching awhile. She knelt down by her new froggie friend and would pick him up. He’d hop down and she would pick him back up. She stretched out on the grass and watched him. She didn’t want to let him go, so I made a quick froggie house with a few leaves. We both said good bye to the toad when she set him down in his home.

There are times where it seems like she’s into everything. Cars, buses, trains, bugs, snakes, moon, stars. A long list for a little girl. As I play with her or simply observe her interactions with the world I have to smile at her curiosity. While some things do frighten her, there is an excitement about discovering something new. That same excitement is there when she spots an old favorite. Or figures something out. There is a growing independence and she cheers when she gets her jammies on all by herself.

Being somewhat introspective, I look at how she sees everything and compare it to how I, and potentially other adults see things. Same thing, same time. Maybe missing something there because we are over focused on something else. I try to make a point of looking at what is in front of me, at all the details. Looking at the dappled light hitting the ground after passing through a group of trees overhead. The crickets chirping in the evening as the sun sinks. What else could I look at that is new and exciting? How can I look at things differently. And enjoying the value of appreciating those comfortable familiar things.

Claire Goverts is a working mom to a curious toddler girl on the go. A Buffalo to Rochester transplant, Claire enjoys exploring more of the area, which suits toddler fine. And in her spare time Claire enjoys creative pursuits. Be in drawing, photography, jewelry making, and of course writing. She would like to publish novels one day, and has several National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) wins under her belt.

Have you ever considered how well you’ve lived your life? Does it have meaning and purpose? What connections have you made that enrich your life? Who will remember any of us long after we’re gone?

These and other questions are explored by John Green in his book “The Fault In Our Stars.” I recently finished the book, (on loan from my dear friend Morna). It paints a touching and heartfelt portrait of the human condition through the eyes of quick-witted teens in love and living with cancer. The story felt intimate and honest, and moved me to tears several times. Through the eyes of our hero Hazel Grace, life is celebrated, even during emotional and physical pain.Living life raw and connected – whether or not we have a life-threatening disease like cancer – is the way I’d like to think I’m living.

Three years ago, I learned about Bret Hoefen when I was looking for people who successfully completed Rochester Rehabilitation’s driver evaluation and training program, DriveOn. Before I could contact him about for an interview to share his story, his health had deteriorated from a rare and aggressive form of cancer called clear cell sarcoma(CCS), which had contributed to his full leg amputation.

“Now’s the time and Shannon, myself, and my parents are making this happen. Because it is less than the ideal time of year to travel our only plan is to head south, and our motorcycles are coming, and visit as many people along the way as we can until my leg becomes too painful to continue. Through this blog I plan to document our adventure. I don’t want this to be sappy and depressing, but I do want everyone to know how much they mean to me. I’ll do my best to keep it upbeat.”

When I first read through these raw and touching reflections nearly two-and-a-half years ago, a familiar face caught my eye: Carolina DeHond. Carolina, now 35, has been living with CCS for half of her eldest daughter Victoria’s life and nearly all of her youngest daughter Mikayla’s. I know this because Victoria and my son James, both 12, have attended the same school since Kindergarten. Our paths crossed frequently helping with classroom parties, fun days, and field trips.

Earlier this Spring, Mikayla knocked on my door selling Girl Scout cookies. After asking Mikayla which cookies were her favorite – peanut butter – I bought three boxes. As she played with my dog Beck, Carolina and I talked about our kids, school, people we knew, dogs, and cancer. She said she was feeling good, in remission, and still hoping to find a cure by experimenting on herself with alternative therapies and holistic remedies.

Recently, however, Carolina learned that the cancer had recurred and spread.

Since her diagnosis in 2008, Carolina has worked hard to create a network of CCS survivors to comfort each other, share stories, treatments, and hope, via emails. She also created a Facebook Page – CarolinasFightForLife– to update more than 700 friends, family and supporters who want to help and stay in touch. Carolina’s family and friends have galvanized around her time after time, to raise money for costly treatments. In late June, her parents Juan and Maria Contreraras of the infamous Empanada Stop at The Rochester Public Market held a fundraiser – in support of Carolina’s trip to Germany to receive whole body hyperthermia treatment.

Carolina traveled to a German hospital at the beginning of July. While there, she’s faced hurdle after hurdle, which caused delays in receiving treatment. And yet, she remains positive, tenaciously posting updates to her Facebook Page when she can. The outpouring of support and prayers on her behalf seem to give her strength.

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.” – Erma Bombeck.

I believe people come into our lives for a reason. Maybe it’s to share their talent with us, to love us, or to be loved. Last year, I connected with Betsy Hoefen, Bret’s mom through my blog. Recently, I asked Betsy, an artist and teacher, why the family kept Bret’s blog up on the web. She told me that Bret’s blog still gives her strength.

“His voice comes through clearly…it’s like he’s here talking to us,” said Betsy. “The blog gave Bret a reason to look for cool things to write about. It’s important to have a purpose rather than just focusing on the bad things that are happening to you.”

That’s what Carolina is doing. She’s using her God-given talent to purposefully help anyone touched by CCS. From creating awareness, to connecting with CCS survivors and reaching out to family and friends who’ve lost their loved ones. Carolina is working on a mission, and she’s got a lot more good work left to do in this world.

“Never give up on yourself. Then you will never give up on others.” –Pema Chödrön

How well have you lived your life?

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons learned from her son on motherhood, love, and life. Kris is currently working on a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums. She loves feedback, but hates spam – send her a comment.

John Robinson is helping others see the possibilities of adaptive sports and inclusive recreation opportunities as he cycles across upstate New York on the Erie Canalway Trail with his family and friends.

This was the second year he rode the 365-mile canal trail from Buffalo to Albany. John, who lives and works in the Capital District, is a congenital amputee born without full arms and legs. He rolled into Fairport this afternoon using an adaptive bicycle and was welcomed with a celebration planned by NYSARC.

Robinson was inspired to undertake the first Journey Along the Erie Canal by his wife, Andrea, and their children after receiving a three-wheeled, hand-operated bicycle as a donation. His family helped him learn how to ride and then train for the statewide journey and rode with him again this year along with business partner Doug Hamlin, who lives with quadraplegia, and his wife Pam. The two families were joined by more friends who embrace Robinson’s canal trip mission.

When I asked Andrea how her daughter Ariel, 16, and son Owen, 11, were doing on the bike ride, she said they were handling the 25 mile plus rides well, noting that it was really important to have the family together on this twelve-day journey. They’re the “glue” for the trip, she said.

The Erie Canalway Trail is one of the longest trails in New York State used by approximately 1.4 million people each year. Here in Rochester, there are many opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to stay active and take advantage of all that the canal has to offer. Anita O’Brien, Manager of SportsNet, a local adaptive sports and inclusive recreation program, helps people with disabilities explore and discover sports and recreation.

“Cycling is one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation,” says O’Brien. “It’s a great way for anyone with or without a disability to enjoy the outdoors, improve cardiovascular fitness, and socialize with friends and family.”

Adaptive cycling is truly a multi-disability sport with many adaptations. The hand-cycle is one of the most widely practiced forms of adaptive cycling because it enables riders with a lower-limb mobility impairment (spinal cord, cerebral palsy (CP), and multiple sclerosis (MS)) to propel a three-wheeled cycle using their arms. O’Brien says that some people know exactly how they want to spend their leisure time – cycling with family and friends, for example. Others, however, need suggestions for sports and recreation activities to try – like a paddling adventure with outrigger canoeing. And a few, like Ryan Chalmers are extreme achievers who want to challenge themselves with competition. More than anything, everyone wants to have fun in an activity they can do with family and friends.

And that’s the real lesson to moms, kids, and families: No matter what your ability, you can get out, get moving, and have fun now!

You can follow John Robinson’s Journey Along the Canal video blog here. Check out upcoming adaptive sports and recreation opportunities with SportsNet on Facebook here.

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons learned from her son on motherhood, love, and life. Kris is currently working on a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums. She loves feedback, but hates spam – send her a comment.

Contributors

For more than two decades, Kristine Bruneau has made a career from writing and marketing communications, working for ad agencies, nonprofits, and small businesses. Her commentaries, stories, and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including Rochester Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine. She posts regularly to her Mommy Musings blog at kristinebruneau.com where she explores lessons learned from her son on motherhood, love, and life. Kris is currently working on a book inspired by these lessons and their resulting conundrums. She loves comments and feedback, so send her a note at kristinebruneau@me.com.

is an award-winning communications professional with 25 years experience working in journalism and public relations and with social media. She is also a comedian and has learned that weaving humor into all situations makes communication and life more enjoyable for all involved. She is an adjunct college professor and recently started her own company, Dresden Public Relations, to enable her to be a more-present mom for her two young daughters. One is adopted, one has cerebral palsy, both are beautiful and extraordinary, and life at her house is a fabulous adventure.

Claire Goverts is a working mom to a curious toddler girl on the go. A Buffalo to Rochester transplant, Claire enjoys exploring more of the area, which suits toddler fine. The zoo is a current favorite. She enjoys trying new things with daughter, including crafting ‘new’ play items. Such as coffee can turned drum, container, and mirror. She also shares a love of nature and the outdoors with her daughter.

And in her spare time Claire enjoys creative pursuits. Be in drawing, photography, jewelry making, and of course writing. She would like to publish novels one day, and has several National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) wins under her belt.

Tree Marino is a 30-something mother of tween/teen daughters. She works full time, while her husband stays home with the girls. This was not always the case. When the girls were younger she was a stay-at-home mom (who rarely stayed at home). Tree works toward making her family more green without ruffling to many feathers (inside the family and out). You might find her planning a casual event for her daughters' school or running her small business.

is a busy single mom of two busy boys from Brockport - Brice, 7, and Brady Patrick, 4. A graduate of the University of Rochester, she writes freelance articles and The Brockport Blog for The Democrat and Chronicle. She is also a contributing writer to Rochester Woman Magazine and a former reporter for Messenger Post Newspapers. Caurie enjoys being a hockey mom, photography, swimming, and life guarding at the YMCA. Look to her Mom Blog for pieces on parenting a child with special needs and parenting as a single mom. You can reach her at www.caurie.com or caurie@urgrad.rochester.edu

Debra Ross is publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, an online resource for parents who want to know about the cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for kids in their local area.

She is a weekly guest on two morning radio shows in Rochester, WARM 101.3 and Fickle 93.3 and also appears often on local television. She and her husband, David Ross, a professor at RIT, home school their daughters Madison, 13, and Ella, 11. They live in Brighton.